The time of swimming in the pool is here. But be careful, because not only people swim in them: many microorganisms, some of them pathogens, also stay afloat in their waters. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the main source of viruses and bacteria in freshwater baths are faeces, from contaminated water from which the pool is supplied, excreta accidentally deposited by users and, when the facilities are outdoors, from birds or rodents.
Viruses and bacteria also reach the mucous membranes, saliva and skin of bathers. Among the most common fish germs are adenoviruses, which can cause conjunctivitis and pharyngitis; Giardia intestinalis , a parasite responsible for nausea, cramps and diarrhea; and the bacterium Escherichia coli , which causes diarrhea and colitis. In most cases they are removed with chlorine or bromine and maintaining the proper pH .
When the water is hot, as in heated pools and spas , there is a risk that different types of bacteria will proliferate : those of the Legionella genus, which trigger Legionnaires’ disease; Pseudomonas aeruginosa , which causes otitis; those of the genus Mycobacterium , which causes pneumonia; Staphylococcus aureus , which causes skin, urine, and ear infections; and Tinea pedis , culprit of athlete’s foot.
Preventing water condensation, treating the pipes and maintaining the proper level of disinfectants is the best way to get rid of these germs and keep a pool almost sterile.
